We’re more than halfway through Dry January.
While many have already given up on this post-holiday resolution, for others January isn’t the only month spent abstaining from alcohol — it’s a year-round commitment. At Billy Penn, we personally marked the start of the new year at the end of last Sunday’s Birds game.
Still, whether you drink regularly or not at all, now feels like the perfect time to list off great alcohol-free options around town that stay open well beyond happy hour.
Totally dry establishments
Bar Palmina
Where: Fishtown
Bar Palmina has the stylish ambiance that one expects from a craft cocktail bar, without the booze. Have no fear of menu-items that say “bourbon” or “gin” — Bar Palmina is completely zero proof, serving complex flavors without a drop of alcohol.
Faceclock
Where: Fishtown
Faceclock fosters an artistic and cozy space boasting drinks that “elevate your senses with bold flavors, natural ingredients, and adaptogenic blends.” What’s more, you can check out unique art on display while you’re there.
Old City Cava Company
Where: Old City
Grab a cozy seat and a zero-proof paloma at Old City Cava Company. The space stays open until midnight most days, and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Wallace Dry Goods
Where: Ardmore
Wallace Dry Goods is not actually a bar, but a completely spirit-free bottle shop in Ardmore. If you’re sober-curious, but don’t know what an adaptogen is, don’t worry. The store, which occasionally throws events, can help guide you through all the different non-alcoholic beer, cider, aperitif, wine and mixer options.
Semi-dry suggestions
Bar Hygge
Where: Fairmount
Bar Hygge kicked off the year with a zero-proof cocktail party. Options include a zero-proof sparkling rosé, hazy IPA from Best Day Brewing and fun mocktails.
Post Haste
Where: Kensington
Poste Haste was voted one of Esquire Mag’s Best Bars in 2024. Expect delicious and unique mixings. Their Tea El Sele, for example, has Charleston black tea, condensed oat milk with Appalachian allspice, cardamom leaves and pandan, and then is finished with a zero-proof aperitivo.
Bad Brother
Where: Fairmount
Bad Brother’s N/A drink list serves up classics without the hangover —from a faux mule to a 0.5% IPA.
Charlie was a sinner
Where: Center City
In addition to having an all-vegan menu, Charlie was a sinner has an impressive non-alcoholic cocktail list. Curious? Their “Wanderlust” drink has zero-proof mushroom amaro, pineapple, lemon and sparkling water. The “Samantha Jones” contains blood orange aperitif, caraway, pomegranate and lime.
Ember and Ash
Where: Passyunk
Ember and Ash doesn’t just sport delicious and hearty dinner options, but they have non-alcoholic selections along with their regular drink menu, such as a Korean spice margarita with mandarin purée, gochujang and ginger, and a classic phony negroni.
Wilder
Where: Rittenhouse
Wilder does not skimp out when it comes to their zero-proof cocktail list. The restaurant currently has 10 different non-alcoholic drinks on their menu.
N/A spaces with music/fun
48 Record Bar
Where: Old City
48 Record Bar is a listening room and cocktail bar right above Sassafras in Old City. The small space, which serves drinks like a Moroccan mint tea mocktail and a “hot mocklate” with pistachio orgeat, lets guests listen to a curated selection of songs on vinyl.
Queen & Rook
Where: Queen Village
Queen & Rook is a Philadelphia board-game favorite that serves more than your typical brewsky. The bar not only has a seemingly endless selection of games, but also a robust N/A drink menu full of cocktails and zero-proof beer options.
BUBS
Where: Kensington
BUBS, located under Berks Station, is a sober-friendly third space with tons of large tables, hosting different game and craft nights for friends. The spot is still awaiting its food license, so bring your own snacks and beverages.
Solar Myth
Where: South Philly
Solar Myth is a wine bar and coffee shop hybrid that also has a small selection of non-alcoholic beer and cocktails. Guests can buy records at the front and check out live, cutting-edge artists in the back.
Libertee Grounds
Where: North Philly
Yes, Philadelphians can enjoy 18 holes of mini-golf at Libertee Grounds, but they can also choose from a wide selection of drinks off the bar’s alcohol-free menu, like their Fauxjito and a zero-proof Sam Adams.
Tea and coffee spots
Chapterhouse Cafe & Gallery
Where: Bella Vista
Chapterhouse Cafe & Gallery stays open until 8 p.m. and offers a bunch of delicious coffees and teas, including their hyped turmeric honey latte. Wind down after a long day at work, while taking in the eclectic art on the walls.
Mocha Melt Cafe
Where: Old City
Mocha Melt is a Euro-inspired cafe that will give you that boost hours after other coffee shops have closed — serving espresso and pastries past dinnertime. The spot is open until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and until midnight on the weekend.
Unity Java
Where: Wissahickon and Roxborough
Unity Java is a recovery-friendly workplace and coffee shop with two locations in the city. In addition to their coffee and tea selection, the upstairs has a zero-proof alcohol shop.
